Insight Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2017 shortlist unveiled

Over 3,800 entries submitted for largest international competition of its kind

The shortlist for this year's Insight Astronomy of the Year Awards has been unveiled.

The competition, which is now in its ninth year and is said to be the largest international competition of its kind, received over 3,800 entries from photographers across 91 countries.

Furthermore, for the first time in the competition's history, submissions included images of Uranus and asteroids.

Winners of all nine categories will be announced on Thursday 14th September in a ceremony held at the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Two additional special prizes will also be awarded at the event, while a free exhibition will commence on Saturday 16 September.

The judging panel includes comedian and amateur astronomer Jon Culshaw, Editor of BBC Sky at Night Magazine Chris Bramley, and the Royal Observatory’s Public Astronomer Dr Marek Kukula. They have been joined this year by Rebecca Roth of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.

Winning and shortlisted images will also be published in the competition’s official book, which will be made available in November.